SUMMARY:

Fantastic opportunity for a Commercial Lawyer with 10+ years' experience to join this leading Sydney-based University.

Be at the forefront of higher education, make a tangible difference to the University and students, and grow in a stimulating and supportive environment.

THE ORGANISATION:

Renowned for its cutting-edge research and dynamic approach to learning, the University has carved a niche for itself in the global academic landscape. Its commitment to practical, industry-relevant education ensures that graduates are not just academically proficient but also ready to meet the challenges of the professional world. This University is not just a place of learning; it's a hub of innovation and creativity where ideas are nurtured.

THE LEGAL TEAM:

This supportive and collaborative Legal Team work closely to provide the University with exceptional legal service. The team embrace a culture of continuous learning and upskilling that will help form the foundation of your career for decades to come.

Over the past two years, we have placed two lawyers into the legal team, and both have enjoyed and thrived in the environment.

LOCATION:

Sydney - south of the Harbour and accessible by public transport.

THE ROLE:

• 2 to 6 months interim role with a potential it could become permanent
• Start Date: ASAP
• A broad Commercial role – you will provide high-quality, timely legal advice on diverse legal issues, including complex contracts and deeds, negotiating and legal research agreements, maintaining legal documents, managing litigation, and ensuring compliance.
• Education Sector experience, while valued, isn't necessary. However, General Commercial experience combined with either Intellectual Property experience and/or IT experience is essential.
• Be a proactive business partner at all levels and support teams, assisting with decisions, providing practical advice and mitigating risk.
• Identify and manage risks across the institution and establish processes and structures to allow the stakeholders to self-serve.

ABOUT YOU:

• You have a sense of humour and bring an energy to work
• You have a current Australian Practicing Certificate and at least five years of post-qualification experience, including experience gained in a reputable firm and/or in-house legal team.
• General Commercial experience and any IP or IT would be helpful but not essential
• You will need to be an excellent lawyer – not only technically but also able to implement practical solutions, providing proactive, pragmatic advice.
• You effectively influence, manage, and successfully collaborate and communicate with multiple stakeholders across all levels of a diverse institution and brief and liaise with external legal advisers.
• This role demands making decisions on work priorities, providing legal advice, and managing professional and ethical responsibilities.
• Capable of dealing with ambiguity, solution-focused, adaptable, and accountable.
• You can manage and prioritise your workload, understand and balance risk, and provide clear, simple and to-the-point advice to others in the business.
• You are self-aware and grounded; have excellent written and verbal communication skills; proficient in technology; comfortable operating autonomously; adapt quickly to changing priorities; calm and considered, practical with common sense, and prepared to take ownership.
• Highly developed written and oral communication skills, including communicating effectively and explaining legal concepts and requirements to senior staff and community and business partners with various professional and academic backgrounds.
• Ability to work within a small team and adopt a flexible approach to a demanding, time-pressed client base.
• An innovative mindset and being open to change, as the legal function, constantly seeks ways to improve their service through automation and other technologies.

WHY THIS IS AN EXCELLENT ROLE:

Fantastic Work: An excellent and rare opportunity for commercial lawyer to undertake cutting-edge work and be at the forefront of legal developments.

Prestigious Institution: One of Australia's leading Universities, renowned for its dynamic, innovative approach to education.

Diverse Challenges: Universities face various legal issues – from intellectual property and research contracts to employment law, student rights, and property transactions. This variety will challenge you, ensure that no two days are the same, and expand your legal acumen across various areas.

Impact on Education: Lawyers at Universities are pivotal in shaping policies and practices that affect thousands of students and staff. Your contributions will directly impact higher education.

Work-Life Balance: The academic environment often offers a more balanced approach to work-life than the hustle and grind of corporate law firms. Hybrid and flexible working available.

Continual Learning: Being in an academic setting will expose you to cutting-edge research, knowledge, and a myriad of opportunities for professional development. It's an environment that promotes and celebrates lifelong learning.

Collaborative Environment: Universities, by nature, are collaborative. You'll work with diverse stakeholders – from academics to administrators- ensuring a comprehensive perspective on matters and fostering teamwork.

Community and Culture: Campus life is rich with events, cultural activities, and a sense of community.

Great Team: Excellent, experienced, and supportive legal team, led by a phenomenal General Counsel

NEXT STEPS:

If this sounds like an opportunity you want to explore, please apply, and we will contact you.

Alternatively, if you would like to have a confidential conversation first, please contact Lee Hogben at Dovetail Legal Solutions at [email protected] – to arrange an initial chat.

DOVETAIL

Founded in 2015, Dovetail is Australia's only dedicated in-house legal recruiter. We've made over 400 placements, assisted hundreds of companies and helped grow the careers of hundreds of lawyers. We give access to more lawyers and jobs than any other provider. www.dovetaillaw.com.au